Collecting information

1
Collecting information

• Three ways to gather information for your study

2
Types of information you need

• Facts and figures (data)
• Anecdotes (stories)
• Quotes
• Atmosphere (background)
• Analysis (history, significance, impact)
• Significant details
• Illustrations (photos, drawings, graphics)

3
Three ways to gather information

• Documents
• Interviews
• First-hand observation

4
Documents

• Project documents
• Research reports, project reports, design
  documents, monitoring and evaluation info
• Non-project documents
• Government/NGO statistics, World Bank/UN reports,
  books, scientific literature
• Media reports
• Statements from government, donors, etc.
• Statistical data
• Names, photographs, supporting evidence

5
Interviews

• Who to talk to
• Project managers and staff
• People involved in the project
• Movers and shakers
• Policy makers, government officials, business
  people
• The moved and the shaken
• People affected by problem or activity
• Beneficiaries, target group, local stakeholders
• Experts and observers
• Independent specialists, researchers, academics

6
Interviews

• Decide beforehand what you want to know
• Listen to the subject
• Be flexible in your approach
• Take notes
• Be sure of names, numbers, spellings
• Use a tape recorder?
• If necessary, follow up afterwards to confirm
  details

7
First-hand observation

• Go to the field yourself
• Drink in the atmosphere, gather impressions
• Use all five senses
• Note sights, smells, sounds, feelings, taste
• Collect quotes
• Step into your readers shoes
• What would strike them as interesting or unusual?